The mob rule: criminality consumes South Africa

<p>An illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are <a href="economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/09/1…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eating away</a> at the state. Oura seems to have <a href="economist.com/business/2026/09/04/how-ouras-ri…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">captured the market</a> for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, <a href="economist.com/culture/2026/09/21/making-sense-…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">for good and bad</a>, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>South Africa, organised crime, criminal justice</li><li>wearable tech, Oura rings</li><li>Lucas Museum</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></p>

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